Planning Wedding Receptions
By Nina Callaway, About.com Guide to Weddings
Your wedding reception is probably the biggest and most important party you'll ever plan. Here's how to make it fun, memorable, and affordable.
Wedding Reception Basics
Before you can get to the fun stuff like decorations, music, and food, you'll need to know a few wedding reception basics. Put together a timeline, figure out what style of wedding reception you want, consult your wedding budget and find a place to hold it.
- What Kind of Wedding Reception is Right for You?
- Wedding Reception Timeline
- Finding a Wedding Reception Venue
Menus and Caterers
Food and drink are some of the most important parts of your wedding reception - after all if they're well fed and have a great cocktail, they're sure to have a good time.
- Finding a Wedding Caterer
- How to Set a Wedding Menu
- Top 10 Inexpensive Champagnes and Sparkling Wines
- Signature Wedding Cocktails
Wedding Cake
Wedding cakes are the grand finale to a reception - so shouldn't they be breathtaking? Here is advice on how to find a wedding cake baker and questions you should ask. If you're interested in making your own wedding cake, or making one for another family member, check out the step-by-step guide to making and decorating a wedding cake.
- Questions to ask Your Wedding Cake Baker or Designer
- Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Wedding Cake at Home
Wedding Reception Music
Music is the lifeblood of a successful party, and will do more than anything else to set the mood and tone of your wedding reception. But should you have a band or a dj? Or perhaps you should go the DIY route and use an iPod or other mp3 player. Here's advice on how to find the right wedding music for your reception.
- Pros and Cons of Choosing a Wedding Band or DJ
- Wedding Music that Will Get Your Guests Dancing
- Do Not Play List - The Most Inappropriate Wedding Music
- An iPod Wedding - Can You DJ Your Own Wedding Reception?
Wedding Flowers and Centerpieces
Wedding flowers are one of the most important aspects of a reception. They bring color, life, and scent. They help make table settings more beautiful, and can transform a formerly dull space into a beautiful personality-filled one. Yet navigating wedding flowers (and finding a florist)can be confusing. It's also easy for them to be a budget breaker. Here's my best advice on wedding flowers and other centerpieces.
- Finding the Right Wedding Florist and Signing a Contract
- Wedding Flower Checklist
- Save Money on Wedding Flowers
- FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Wedding Flowers
- Wedding Flowers by Season - See What's in Season for Your Wedding
Themes and Styles
Here are the keys making your wedding your own, infusing it with personality and style.
